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Cambodia has deported 721 foreign nationals from 20 countries over the past 10 days as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and transnational crimes, including online scams. Bangladeshis were among those sent back to their home countries.
The Khmer Times reported the development, saying the repatriation drive began on 11 October and involved 95 women among those deported.
The deportations were carried out under the leadership and direction of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha. Lieutenant General Sok Veasna, director-general of the Immigration Department, instructed the department’s investigation and procedures units to continue the repatriation process.
The deported nationals came from Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, Cameroon, Japan, Ghana, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Uganda, India, Myanmar, France, Liberia, Switzerland, Uzbekistan and the United States.
According to the Khmer Times, the group included 90 Chinese nationals, including three women, who were allegedly involved in online scams. They were flown back to China on a special flight.
Another 355 Indonesian nationals, including 54 women, were deported through Techo International Airport over alleged involvement in online scams.
The remaining foreign nationals were repatriated through various international border checkpoints.
Cambodian authorities accused those deported of offences including illegal border crossings, document forgery, staying without passports, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, using fake visas or QR codes, drug trafficking and drug use, working illegally and other criminal activities.
The newspaper said the crackdown was being conducted under the direction of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as part of efforts to enforce the law more strictly.
Hun Manet has repeatedly said Cambodia would not allow its territory to be used as a base for online scams or other criminal activities that threaten regional and global security.
The prime minister has directed the authorities to continue operations against criminal activities and repatriate offenders without leniency to protect Cambodia’s national security and international reputation.
